What is the official classification of fresh kiwi fruit?

Fresh kiwi fruit is classified as an edible fruit under the HS code 08105000. It is recognized internationally as a fresh produce item.

What are the main quality defects that can cause kiwi fruit to be rejected in export markets?

Export rejections often stem from mold covering more than 5% of the surface, bruising that develops after packing, and decay caused by fungal infections such as Botrytis or Phomopsis. Both EU and U.S. standards allow less than 2% decay tolerance per lot.

How should kiwi fruit be stored to maintain quality from packing to market?

Kiwi fruit should be kept at 0–1 °C with approximately 95 % relative humidity from the moment of packing until arrival at the market. This temperature and humidity range helps minimize decay and preserve firmness.

Kiwi

Kiwi is an edible fruit harvested fresh. It is sold as whole fruit for consumption.

Prices, specifications and international trade for kiwi under HS 081050.

Kiwi Price

$3,108USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Kiwi Historical Unit Values

Kiwi is quoted in USD/t at NZL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Kiwi Exports and Imports

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New Zealand led reported kiwi exports in 2025, at $2.6B.

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Kiwi Specifications and Quality

Kiwi grading factors include Mold coverage tolerance and Shape uniformity ratio.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for kiwi considers Mold coverage tolerance and Shape uniformity ratio.

Mold coverage tolerance
Mold covering more than 5% of the surface exceeds tolerance for premium grades.
Shape uniformity ratio
The minimum to maximum equatorial diameter ratio must be 0.8 or greater for higher classes and at least 0.7 for lower classes.

Typical Specification Ranges

Kiwi specifications record fruit length, fruit weight, storage temperature. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Fruit length	4.00–8.00 cm
Fruit weight	75–100 g
Storage temperature	0–1.00 °C

Common Defects

Recorded defects for kiwi include Mold, Decay (fungal infections), and Bruising.

Mold
Surface mold beyond allowed limits renders fruit unmarketable.
Decay (fungal infections)
Infections such as Botrytis or Phomopsis cause decay and make fruit unmarketable.
Bruising
Bruising often develops after packing and is a major cause of rejections.

Certifications

Certifications documented for kiwi include EU marketing rules, USDA grades, and Codex Standard CXS 338‑2020. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

EU marketing rules
European Union standards define defect tolerances and quality classes for kiwifruit.
USDA grades
United States Department of Agriculture grades set limits for decay and other defects.
Codex Standard CXS 338‑2020
International Codex standard specifies shape, defect, and packaging requirements for kiwifruit.

Kiwi Facts and HS Code

Kiwi belongs to fresh fruit within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 081050.

Kiwi HS Code

Product type	Raw
Form	Fresh
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Fresh fruit — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes	081050
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	NZL

Production & Handling

Processing steps for kiwi include Harvesting, Cleaning, Sorting.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Processing steps	Harvesting Cleaning Sorting Packing

Packaging

Typical kiwi packaging includes Food‑grade protective packaging and Temperature‑controlled containers.

Food‑grade protective packaging
Materials inside the package must be food‑grade, clean, and protect the fruit from damage.
Temperature‑controlled containers
Fruit is kept at 0–1 °C with about 95 % relative humidity from packing to market.

Uses & Risks

Kiwi is used in Fresh consumption, Juice production, and Food ingredient.

End Uses

Fresh consumption
Whole fruit sold for direct eating
Juice production
Pressing fresh kiwi to produce beverage
Food ingredient
Sliced or diced kiwi used in salads and desserts

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Fresh produce retail, Beverage manufacturers, Food processing companies
Leading origins	Chile, China, France, Greece, Iran, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Türkiye, United States

Kiwi Questions

What is the official classification of fresh kiwi fruit?: Fresh kiwi fruit is classified as an edible fruit under the HS code 08105000. It is recognized internationally as a fresh produce item.
What are the main quality defects that can cause kiwi fruit to be rejected in export markets?: Export rejections often stem from mold covering more than 5% of the surface, bruising that develops after packing, and decay caused by fungal infections such as Botrytis or Phomopsis. Both EU and U.S. standards allow less than 2% decay tolerance per lot.
How should kiwi fruit be stored to maintain quality from packing to market?: Kiwi fruit should be kept at 0–1 °C with approximately 95 % relative humidity from the moment of packing until arrival at the market. This temperature and humidity range helps minimize decay and preserve firmness.